Ooredoo held the qualifying round for the ‘Sky Walker’ category as part of its exciting Drone Race 2023 event on Monday.

The telecommunications company kicked off the Ooredoo Drone Race 2023 with the qualifying round for Sky Walker category on Monday.

The qualifying round was held at Hulhumalé Central Park.

The ‘Sky Walker’ category offered a total of 30 pilots the opportunity to register, and nine skilled pilots earned their spots in the final round.

The company observed impressive drone piloting skills from the drone pilots, who steered their drones through the obstacle hoops installed at the park as part of the racecourse, with ease.

Ooredoo shed light on a specific moment that adds a youthful spark to the drone race, with the participation of a 13-year-old, who is the youngest participant.

The final will take place in Hulhumalé on the morning of December 22 and promises to add a new dimension of excitement to the festivities of Ooredoo Fun Run.

The telecom provider revealed that the event features two categories; Sky Walker category specialized for Non FPV Drones and Sky Elite category specialized for FPV Drones. Pilots who advanced from the qualifiers will compete in the final.

Drone enthusiasts will have the opportunity to observe and participate in this exciting competition, which will be timed and challenges participants to navigate through a specially designed drone racing track that includes obstacles and hoops to reach the finish line in the fastest time.

The company introduced the first-ever drone race in the Maldives, ‘Ooredoo Drone Race’, which is an exciting new addition to the activities planned for this year's Fun Run 2023 event to make it a day of enjoyment and unforgettable memories for all participants.

Participants aged 16 and are allowed to compete in the Sky Elite category, with the Sky Walker category open for participants above 12 years of age.

Ooredoo revealed that those participating under the Sky Elite category are competing with their own FPV drones. Those participating under the Sky Walker category are provided with DJI drones to be used in the race, by Stabisys Maldives, the authorized distributor of DJI in the Maldives, is collaborating as the Premium Partner for Ooredoo Fun Run 2023. Participants in this category are not allowed to use their own drones.

Ooredoo revealed that special prizes have been promised for those who compete in both categories and finish in first, second and third places.

As such, the first winner in the Sky Elite category will be entitled to a DJI Mini 3 Pro (DJI RC), with the second-place winner promised a 5g AirFiber device and three months of free package amounting to 1,536GB. The third-place winner will get a Moolee voucher of MVR 2,000.

The first-place winner in the Sky Walker category will win a DJI Mini 2 SE, the second-place winner will get a 5g AirFiber device and three months of free package worth 750GB and the third-place winner will get a Moolee voucher worth MVR 1,000.

The drone race is expected to take this year’s fun run to new heights of happiness. Introducing exciting sports like drone racing adds to the company’s aim to create fun and exciting experiences that combine both innovation and skill building in a creative way.